Minnesota Dentists Warn Halloween Shoppers: Sour Candies May Trick, Not Treat Teeth

Minnesota Dentists Warn Halloween Shoppers: Sour Candies May Trick, Not Treat
Teeth

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- When making Halloween candy purchases,
the Minnesota Dental Association warns that popular "sour candy" can trick
teeth by causing permanent erosion of the dental enamel on the teeth. The
Minnesota Dental Association encourages adults to consider "tooth healthy
treats" that will both put and keep a smile on children's faces.

"As dentists, we see an alarming number of children with permanent erosion of
the dental enamel on their teeth," says Dr. Bruce Templeton, a practicing
dentist in Minneapolis who is also president of the Minnesota Dental
Association. "We know that the increasingly popular sour candies are a factor,
so we invite you to consider other alternatives for Halloween treats."

Specifically, the hard and gummy candies which promise an "extreme" sour or
candies which promote a sweet and sour experience are the candies to avoid.
Acid weakens the protective tooth enamel. Without it, teeth are prone to tooth
decay. The teeth can also become more sensitive to consuming hot, cold or
sweet food and drinks.

GOOD TREATS TO GIVE
There are many tooth-friendly treats, not the least of which are non-food
treats. Healthier alternatives for Halloween include:
-- Money: nickels, dimes, quarters
-- Small bags of chips, peanuts or pretzels
-- Sugarless gum
-- Treats that are eaten quickly and done with, like small candy bars
(Not
treats that take long to eat and that may linger on teeth long
afterward, like caramels)
-- Stickers, rings, hair bows

-- Toothbrushes

The Minnesota Dental Association and its members are taking a national lead in
educating parents and children with a campaign called The Power of Sour on
Your Teeth. The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in
Minnesota, representing 81% of practicing dentists. It is committed to the
highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. Learn
more at: www.mndental.org, or find us on Facebook.

Read article
Power of Sour Campaign
See Acid Levels

SOURCE Minnesota Dental Association

Carol Embertson of Minnesota Dental Association, +1-612-767-8400,
cembertson@mndental.org